Pakistan hoped that allying with the US would strengthen its regional standing and position it comfortably against India. Pakistani expectations, however, have witnessed only partial success. The last few years have intensified the squeeze in bilateral engagements.

Chinese scholars argue that President Xi’s position on Taiwan appears unchanged, i.e., peaceful reunification based on “One Country, Two Systems” and the eight points drawn up by Jiang Zemin, and relying on the aspirations of Taiwanese to advocate for reunification.

In the joint statement of the US President and the Vietnamese President, the longest paragraph was the one that addressed the South China Sea issues. The joint statement with the Philippine President essentially repeated phrases from the US-Vietnam’s joint statement.

US President Donald Trump’s attendance at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in Da Nang, as well as a call in Hanoi, along with his appearance at the East Asia Summit in Manila, will show whether the US-Vietnam momentum will continue or slow down.

North Korea’s threats to use its missiles and nuclear weapons demands a solution. The narrative is that China holds the key. But China has done little. It can and should do much more. This account is partly true, partly exaggerated, and partly false.

US President Donald Trump has officially started his maiden visit to Asia. He will visit Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines and will emphasize the need for the international community to work with the US on the North Korean nuclear standoff.

US President Donald Trump recently “dismissed” Steven Bannon from his job as White House Chief Strategist. Bannon espoused a strong nationalist point of view. Trump was a proponent of bargaining and negotiating. The two were at odds over the US’ China policy.

Cementing friendships, standing by its ally, forging military and economic deals with all sides, and reconciling differences; Russia is expanding its footprint in the Middle East and has emerged as a major strategic player. The Saudi monarch’s recent visit is a testimony.